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It’s been a good run

anutami
Explorer III
Explorer III
My 2 group 29 Interstates have been running since I purchased the camper new in May of 2014. Paid $170 for both of them at the dealer. Have performed great and we have used the you know what out of these!!! Hard to justify even thinking about lithium when these have met all our power needs.


Our recent trip to Brian head for several nights in the parking Lot @ temps in the single digits pretty much put them to death 😞 thinking of moving the next batch of batteries (looking at AGMs) inside the camper but really have not had any issues from these.


So if it ain’t broke do I just buy the same set or go with AGM’s as it is a pain the check the water levels and can possibly move them Inside etc.

Any ideas on the best deals out there?

Thnx in advance
Nolan
2001 Ford F350 LB Diesel 4x4 CrewCab Stick
2015 Wolf Creek 850 Thermal Pane Windows, Oven, Reinforced Anchor Bolts, 200w Solar, Torklift Tie Downs, Fastguns, Stableloads
32 REPLIES 32

MORSNOW
Navigator II
Navigator II
deltabravo wrote:
Bert the Welder wrote:
Since it's kinda on topic, what is it that makes the 6v GC batt's better then 12v ones?


Golf cart batteries have thicker plates.


Bingo! 6 volt batteries have thicker plates and are designed for large loads and many recharge cycles.
2014 Wolf Creek 850SB
2012 GMC Sierra SLT 2500HD 7,220# Truck/10,400# Camper Fully Loaded

deltabravo
Nomad
Nomad
Bert the Welder wrote:
Since it's kinda on topic, what is it that makes the 6v GC batt's better then 12v ones?


Golf cart batteries have thicker plates.
2009 Silverado 3500HD Dually, D/A, CCLB 4x4 (bought new 8/30/09)
2018 Arctic Fox 992 with an Onan 2500i "quiet" model generator

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Explorer II
Bert the Welder wrote:
Since it's kinda on topic, what is it that makes the 6v GC batt's better then 12v ones? and does the "better" status still apply if they are AGM?

The Golf Cart 6V batteries have huge cells comparing to automotive 12V batteries. That makes it not only cheaper to manufacture, but also more bulletproof.
What I think is also the factor that GC batteries have pretty big market, when only 2 or 3 manufacturers, so with volume and the same model lasting for decades, they perfected the design.
Automotive batteries change the designs every couple of years, so it is hit or miss.
AGM batteries are manufactured mainly for upside down applications.
Using them in automotive business is good sample how marketing overwhelmed common sense.

Bert_the_Welder
Explorer II
Explorer II
Since it's kinda on topic, what is it that makes the 6v GC batt's better then 12v ones? and does the "better" status still apply if they are AGM?
:h 1998 GMC 2500, 10.5 Okanagan, My better/smarter half, George and Finnegan(APBT), all I need.

btggraphix
Explorer
Explorer
I’ve been happy with the pair of G31 Dekas we bought about 8-9 years ago. I’ll probably replace them soon to be safe but they’ve worked really well. They are plugged in in our Lance outside 24/7/365 in the mountains and have been fairly regularly abused and run pretty low.
2006 LanceMax 1191 - loaded and well-used
2005 C4500/Kodiak 4x4, GVWR 17,500

rickjo
Explorer
Explorer
6v Golf cart batts have performed so superior to 12v whatever. I can't imagine any other way now. The deep discharge capability is non-destructive on purpose.

Rick
2019 F-350 4WD Crew Cab DRW 6.2 l gas engine (6500 lbs cargo capacity!)
2007 LanceMax 1181 loaded, King memory foam mattress (driver's side locker omitted).
"Leave the trail a little better than you found it."

markchengr
Explorer II
Explorer II
I have very limited clearance at the top of my 2 battery compartments so I switched to two 6 volt AGM's not only due to no maintenance but also because they are any-position batteries so I can have the terminals facing outwards for much easier hookup.

silversand
Explorer
Explorer
Kayteg1 wrote:
Start loosing capacity at 10 years mark, but I used couple of them till 12 years of age.


....my old Maxtanks (AGM) are still in operation at 13 years last year (2020). I suppose replacement will be needed soon.
Silver
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 6.0L Ext/LB Tow Package 4L80E Michelin AT2s| Outfitter Caribou

joeshmoe
Explorer
Explorer
anutami wrote:


Limited unit's MSRP $328.67 for only $129.99 exchange (if no core + $28.00 core charge)


12 Volt - 105 Amp Hrs - Group 31
Sealed Maintenance Free Deep Cycle Batteries for Marine, RV, EV (Electric Vehicle), Golf Cart, UPS, Inverter, Solar Panel (Photovoltaic), Telcom, CATV and Stand-by Applications

The Deka 8A31DT (8A31DTM) is an American made AGM (absorved glass-mat) deep cycle battery.



The Deka 8A31DT (8A31DTM) is a direct replacement for any group 31 lead-acid, GEL, or AGM batteries.

Deka 8A31DT AGM Battery Specifications:
Nominal Voltage: 12V
Amp Hour Capacity @ 20 hr rate: 105 a/h
Reserve Capacity @ 25 amp discharge rate: 210 mins
BCI Group Size: 31
Marine Cranking Amps @ 32* F: 1,000 amps
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0* F: 800 amps
Weight: 69 lbs
Length: 12 15/16 in.
Width: 6 3/4 in.
Height: 9 3/8 in.
Terminal Type:Stud Terminal


These are the same as mine. Same specs and dimensions. Made by East Penn w/Duracell label. I paid $180. $130 is a dang good price. Hopefully they have a decent warranty. At that price, get 3 or even 4 of them. Find room if you have to. Sure would be nice to have 420Ah's.
One thing they seem to do well is recover quickly.
2014 Northwood Wolf Creek 850
2005 Ford F350 SRW SuperCab/LongBed 6.0 Powerstroke
QuickTrick's Towing Tune
Torklift Tie Downs/Fastguns/Upper/Lower Stableloads
Rancho 9000's

deltabravo
Nomad
Nomad
anutami wrote:
Thanks for all the replies, I was looking at getting the lifelines and almost pulling the trigger, but these blems (don't come with handles) caught my eye , anyone have any experience with DEKA's?


Yes, I put Deka group 31s in my Arctic Fox 811 in 2015, THey are still going strong.

Here's that upgrade project


I HIGHLY recommend a good amp hour meter too. I run a Victron BMV 712.

Victron BMT-712 in my AF 811
2009 Silverado 3500HD Dually, D/A, CCLB 4x4 (bought new 8/30/09)
2018 Arctic Fox 992 with an Onan 2500i "quiet" model generator

deltabravo
Nomad
Nomad
BradW wrote:
If you change from 12v to 6v batteries, do you have to change the converter?


No. Two 6 volt batteries connected in series is a 12v battery bank.
2009 Silverado 3500HD Dually, D/A, CCLB 4x4 (bought new 8/30/09)
2018 Arctic Fox 992 with an Onan 2500i "quiet" model generator

Grit_dog
Navigator
Navigator
OP, maybe look at 6V SLA batteries. Moderate cost, no maintenance + the 6V advantages.
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Explorer II
You put 2 of 6V batteries in the row to have 12V, so converter stays untouched.

BradW
Explorer II
Explorer II
If you change from 12v to 6v batteries, do you have to change the converter?
Wake Up America
2019 Lance 1062 and 2018 F-350 CC PSD 4X4 DRW
Tembrens, Rear Roadmaster Sway Bar, Torklift 48" Extention and 30K Superhitch
Our New Lance 1062 Truck Camper Unloading at Dealer Photos